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NFL

Winder, Sammy ‘Sidewinder’

Pro Set 1989, #113

Cards: ProSet 1989, Score 1989
Acquired: TTM 2021, C/o Home
Sent: 4/17 Received: 5/20 (33 days)*
Failure: TTM 2011, C/o Home
* donation enclosed

CAREER SNAPSHOT:

  • Sammy Winder walked onto the Southern Mississippi football team and played for them from 1978-1981.

  • In every year his rushing yardage increased from 340 in 1978 to 1029 in 1981.

  • A powerback with a nose for the endzone, Winder rushed for a school record 20 TDs in 1980.

  • Finished his career at So Miss with 736 carries for 3114 yards and 39 TDs. 

  • Selected in the 5th round of the 1982 draft by the Denver Broncos.

  • Was  major factor in franchise’s return to greatness as the team appeared in 3 Super Bowls.

  • Known for his TD dance called the ‘Mississippi Mudwalk’.

  • Best year came in 1984 when Sammy ran 296 times for 1153 yards and 4 TDs, also catching 44 passes for 288 yards and 2 TDs.

  • Had a career best 14 TDs in 1986 (9 rushing, 5 receiving).

  • Led the AFC in Scoring in 1987 with 7 total TDs during a strike shortened season.

  • Retired after the 1990 season.

ACCOLADES:

  • Led NCAA in TD rushes in 1980 (20)

  • Pro Bowl selection 1984, 1986

  • USM Team of the Century

  • USM Athletic Hall of Fame

  • Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame
Score 1989, #141
RUSHYDSAVGTDLG
149554273.63952
RECYDSAVGTDLG
19713026.6924

NOTES:

I had written the Sidewinder way back in 2011, but at the time he was asking for a donation that I couldn’t afford, so 8 years later I gave him another shot with the money and he signed these two cards. I just figured he could’ve used a sharpie instead of a ball point pen.

Sammy as of 2021 has his own construction company in Mississippi that he started while he was still playing for the Broncos.